Recipe: Touchdown Italian Chili (using Italian sausage, serves 12)

TOUCHDOWN ITALIAN CHILI

1 (19.76 ounces) package Johnsonville Italian Sausage Links
1 cup chopped onion
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 each large sweet red, yellow and green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) Italian recipe stewed tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
3/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup cream sherry (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoon pepper
grated Asiago, Romano or Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Grill Italian sausage according to package directions; cut into half moon slices and set aside.

In soup kettle, saute onion, celery, sweet peppers and garlic in oil until tender.

Add sausage and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until flavors are blended.

If desired, sprinkle chili with grated Asiago, Romano or Parmesan cheese.

Makes 12 servings
Source: Johnsonville